Frequently Asked Questions
Remember that there is lots of information in the brochures and operator manuals including dimensions and installation requirements, benchwork detail, etc.
Contact us for further information and/or to register for access to our Knowledge Base which provides on-line access to comprehensive product information.
Back Flow Prevention
All Washtech machines have Watermark registration confirming their compliance with relevant codes.
Detergent
Use low-foaming caustic based products from a reputable supplier with good representation - we can recommend one in your area. The machines use approximately 5 ml of detergent per cycle, depending on detergent strength, water consumption of the machine model, washware soil loadings, and the number of cycles between draining of the wash tank. Note that all dishmachine detergents – domestic and commercial – are hazardous and must be handled with care. If commercial liquid detergent is unavailable there is no technical problem using domestic powders – put a capful of product into the machine at start up and add a little when performance declines e.g. every four or five cycles.
Detergent Injection
Some models are fitted with detergent injectors. The pump is inside the machine cabinet and has an inlet hose with a weight and filter on the end. Take this hose through the rear or floor of the machine and insert it into your detergent container. The amount of detergent injected into the machine depends on the time that the injector operates, which is controlled by the cam timer which controls all machine functions. Adjustment of this timer should be by the detergent company representative or authorised service provider.
Dimensions
Machine dimensions including benchwork detail are shown on our product brochures.
Drain pumps
Drain pumps are standard on GLV and UD models and available as an option on most models. We recommend gravity connection wherever possible, but the optional drain pumps will lift waste water to bench height when required. Read the installation instructions when installing a machine with a drain pump to ensure correct operation
Electrical Requirements
Typically 15 amp single phase for most models up to and including the ME. The M2 is standard 25amp single phase or 15 amp 3 phase, neutral and earth - installer may choose preferred connection. AL model and larger machines are all 3 phase, neutral and earth (5 wire) supply. If there is difficulty with these current loadings we can reduce the heating capacity – refer below. Note we can supply machines in special voltages including marine requirements. Potwashers and Conveyor machines are all 3 phase, neutral and earth.
Maintenance
Hard working machinery needs regular maintenance and the dishwasher is one of the hardest working machines in the kitchen. We provide maintenance programs to protect the investment in your machine, reduce downtime and provide a report confirming that your machine is sanitising dishes as it should – a useful hygiene assurance tool.
Moving machines for cleaning
The UD and GLV models are designed to be moved for cleaning. Wheels are fitted to the rear of these machines – drain the machine, close the door and use the door handle to lift the front of the machine slightly and gently pull the machine from the recess. Be sure to check that the drain hose is in place before pushing the machine back. Other models stand on 150mm legs to provide cleaning access beneath the machine
Quality Assurance
Washtech is an ISO 9001 Quality Assured Supplier – audited regularly by BVQI to confirm compliance with this prestigious standard.
Regulations
Washtech machines comply with all local codes and requirements
Rack Sizes – glassracks and dishracks
AL, CD, M2, UD, UE 500mm
GE, GM, GL, GLV, M1 435mm
Rinse Aid
Also known as Rinse Fluid, or Drying Agent - injectors are generally not fitted as standard but are available as an option, or from your chemical supplier. About 0.5 ml of rinse fluid is used per cycle, depending on factors such as product type, water hardness etc. Rinse Aid promotes faster drying of washer.
Rinse Pump requirement
Rinse pumps are often supplied with our machines, but they are not generally required when water supply pressure exceeds 2 bar = 200kpA = 30 psi, and water flow rate is 20 litres per minute. Rule of thumb is that if you can stop the flow of hot water out of a tap on your premises with your thumb, then you definitely need a rinse pump.
Serial Number
The serial number of your machine is normally found in the label on the lower right corner of the front of the machine, preceded by the model e.g. GLV123456
Service Providers
Contact us for detail on your local Authorised Washtech Service Provider.
Sterilisation / Sanitisation
Our machines do not sterilise - this requires temperatures over 100 degrees C. They do sanitise as defined by the Food Hygiene Regulations i.e. the machine will not operate unless it can deliver rinse water over 83 degrees C to the washware for ten seconds.
Temperature Compliance Food Hygiene Regulations
Washtech machines are guaranteed to comply with the food hygiene regulations. If there is any question about a machine complying please contact us.
Warranty
Many Washtech machines carry a 5 2 1 warranty - 5 years on the cabinet, 2 years on the wash pump and 1 year complete cover. Extended warranties and preventative maintenance agreements are available on request.
Preventative Maintenance
Hard working machinery needs regular maintenance and the dishwasher is one of the hardest working machines in the kitchen. We provide maintenance programs to protect the investment in your machine, reduce downtime and provide a report confirming that your machine is sanitising dishes as it should – a useful hygiene assurance tool.
Wash Tank Capacities
Approximate wash tank capacities in litres are as follows:
GL = 10, GLV, UD = 15, GM, UE, M1 = 20, M2 = 30, AL = 50, CD = 100, GE = n/a
Waste requirements – copper or p.v.c.
PVC is less expensive, easier to install and more resistant to some harsh detergents. Some authorities sometimes suggest that copper is required because the machine rinses at up to 90C. Please note however that the rinse water mixes with the 65 degree wash water before discharge, and then flows into the trap, where the water is cooled further, before entering the drainage plumbing. We have thousands of machines installed on PVC waste systems and provided the PVC is properly installed, and supported as specified then there are no problems with it, but if in doubt contact your local authority.
Water consumption
Most models use about 3 litres per cycle except the GE which uses about 7. Note that on multicycle machines, no more water is consumed on long cycles than on short - so use the long cycle whenever possible to ensure the best results.
Water flow rate
Flow rate required is 20 litres per minute. 3 litres delivered in 12 seconds equates to 15 litres per minute minimum, so your water system should be capable of more than this - say 20 litres per minute. This generally means that most instantaneous hot water systems are NOT suitable. Talk to your plumber, but make sure that they understand that although the consumption is 3 litres per cycle, this amount must be delivered within the time of 12 seconds.
Water Supply Specification
We recommend hot water supply of 65C, 200 – 350 kPa pressure, 20 litres per minute flow rate. When pressure and flow are below this range a rinse booster pump is required. Above the specified pressure range a pressure limiter must be fitted. Temperatures below specification may cause delays between machine operating cycles.
Water Supply - Cold ?
Cold water supply is not recommended, but possible for all models except the GE. Contact us if you are in a situation where there is difficulty meeting our water supply specification for hot water supply.
Water Supply - Hot water cylinder sizing
Failure to provide adequate hot water supply will result in delays between dishwasher operating cycles, so correct hot water cylinder sizing is important. This obviously depends on how much you use the machine. Most models use 3 litres or less per cycle – multiply this by the number of cycle per hour you expect to use the machine. The heat rise required is about 50 degrees, that is you need to heat the water from about 15 degrees to 65C. 1 kW of heating will recover about 15 litres of hot water in one hour for a 50 degree rise. So for every 5 dishwasher cycles per hour you need one kW of heating element for continuous use. With a common 3kW element, you can do 15 cycles per hour, which would be about 270 plates in an M2 model dishwasher. Storage capacity does help to even out peak usage so you could probably get 25 cycles out of a 180 litre electric cylinder with a 3kW element in the first hour, but would experience delays between cycles after that time. Gas cylinders generally provide much faster recovery than electric and are recommended for this reason. A standard gas cylinder has an equivalent of about 7.5kW rating, so you should get more than 35 cycles per hour - continuous use - out of a standard gas cylinder - which is a high use rate. Caution - consider all the other uses you have for hot water in addition to the dishwasher. We strongly recommend pre-rinsing with a Fisher pre-rinse gun and cold water is entirely appropriate for pre-rinsing - if hot is used this is obviously an additional use. Note also that if your water temperature is kept below 55C, to prevent scalding, that this is lower than the supply temperature specified for the dishwashers and can result in delays between cycles.